Mid-life IT switch Searcy AR

Posted by : Molly Joss

Dear Molly: My question is two-fold: There are a lot of schools out there advertising certification classes. Has anyone done any ratings on which schools offer more value for money? Second, I would like to start developing my computer skills with an A+ certification class prior to returning to more extended education in order to change my career. When I finish, hopefully in two years, will an almost mid-50s person be able to find a job?

Molly says: As far as I know, there are no Consumer Reports-type ratings of computer training schools. As you have guessed, the services and value for money vary widely--if the e-mails I get as part of this column indicate. Two suggestions: work with the training partners that individual companies such as Oracle and Microsoft work with if you're interested in getting good quality training. Also, make sure that the training source has an established reputation going back at least several years and is willing and able to let you talk to recent graduates for references on the quality of the training.

Now, about changing careers in mid-life, it sounds as though you're concerned about no one wanting to hire you because of your age. Legally, companies aren't allowed to discriminate on the basis of age and aren't even allowed to ask your age. However, a potential employer may well ask if someone who has worked in other areas for so long will want to continue with their new career, given the substantial on-go...

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